Possum Point Players' ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ opens June 5

A cast of more than 30 local actors will bring Maycomb, Ala., to the Possum Point Players’ stage as they present the American classic, “To Kill a Mockingbird.” The players open the stage version just before Pulitzer Prize-winning author Harper Lee's upcoming publication of a long-lost second novel, “Go Set a Watchman.”

Possum Point Players will perform “To Kill a Mockingbird” opening at 7:30 p.m., Friday, June 5. Performances continue June 6, 7 12, 13, and 14. Friday and Saturday shows are at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m.

Set in the deep South in a time of strict separation of the races, “To Kill a Mockingbird” reflects the lives and emotions of the town’s inhabitants as racial injustice envelops their small, semi-rural community. An unspeakable crime has allegedly been committed by a black man against a white woman.

Through courage and compassion, lawyer Atticus Finch seeks to unmask the truth and bring justice for an innocent man. The lawyer’s young son Jem and daughter Scout are caught up in the whirlwind of emotions and confusing actions of many whom they have known all of their innocent lives.

The threatening actions of some and the shocking courage of an unexpected hero are some of the underlying themes of the play. The clarity and confusion that arise in “To Kill a Mockingbird” are still relevant. The play features warmth and poignancy as well as the shock of seeing the injustice that ignorance and fear can lead to. The Possum Point Players’ production is adapted for the stage by Christopher Sergel and directed by John H. Hulse of Rehoboth Beach.

Appearing in “To Kill a Mockingbird” are Chuck Rafferty of Laurel; Abigail Rose Betts, Stephanie Allman, Mike Mahaffie and Doug Friend of Lewes; James Riddle, Claudius Bowden, Sherry Fraser and Lemmon Pitts of Georgetown; Wade Stout, Max Dick, Cheryl Graves, Bob Hoffer and Ahkeem Waples of Rehoboth Beach; Pamella A. Taylor, Rex Batchelor, Karen Fitzpatrick, Dulcena Kemmerlin, Azandra Bennett and Mike Taylor of Milford; Jill and Korina Lewandowski of Bridgeville; Rosa Barnes, Diane Counts and Marsha Shull of Millsboro; Dan Carney of Ocean Pines; and Pat Erhardt, Richard Huffman, Bernie Noeller, E.J. Panico and Carol West of Seaford.

The strong themes and the language of the era make “To Kill a Mockingbird” appropriate for mature audiences. Parents are advised to review the story and use caution in allowing children younger than teenagers to attend. Tickets can be purchased at possumpointplayers.org or by calling 302-856-4560; all seats are reserved. Tickets are $18; senior and student tickets are $17.